Just wanted to mention I had a problem with the 1.5mm hex head screws stripping when trying to screw them into the bottom plate and elsewhere The screws that I received were not a true 1.5mm, more like 1.6mm. There was more than a bit of frustration as in some cases they did not strip until the were almost fully seated into the "special" washers which meant having to cut the washers off so I could get a grip on the screw head to back it out. Long story short, I found that RCscrewz sells a complete set of stainless screws for the 500. They were not cheap, but what in the world of RC heli's is. Oh, and as an FYI, I build a lot of stuff, my first heli, but, I was using Wiha drivers and know how to use them.

I want to add that I was not happy with the 9650/9257 on the tail. I went with a 9254 and a Trex 600 servo mount and I am very happy now. Just be warned not to use the 3rd servo hole out on the servo horn on the 9254 with 100% rudder endpoints. Stupid fast piro rate. Of course I had to do it a little before I moved the ball in..

P.S.
I have to agree about HeliFreak being the best. It starts from the top with great leadership, is moderated excellently and the users like Boddan just bring it together.

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Field Rep for
(I have a neck injury and I am unable to fly helis. Working on fixing this problem, be back when it's done)

well, i would definately advise taking the 600 ESP. i just love that one. i got no comparision to the normal 600 E but from just the cost of the parts compared its really worth it and it flies like a charm.

i am also very satisfied with my bls 451 servos, would have taken the spartan + bls 251 on the tail but at that time i couldnt get my hands on a spartan, so i took the lg 6100, works very nice as well.

Well, as a relative newbie that has learned the basics on a Honey Bee King II, I am stashing the funds aside for a 500ESP. Having this info here will come in handy before too much longer! Many thanks for putting it together!